Australia PR Outlook 2026: Which PR Pathways Are Increasing or Decreasing

January 29, 2026

Australia PR Outlook 2026 – Australia’s migration system is one of the most structured and strategic in the world, providing numerous pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and families. As the 2026 migration program year approaches, updated planning levels, new visa pathways, evolving employer sponsorship opportunities, state and regional allocations, and policy changes are shaping opportunities for migrants.

This guide covers all key aspects of Australia’s migration landscape in 2026, including

skilled visas, employer-sponsored pathways, state nominations, regional migration, Talent and Innovation visas, family migration, and strategic tips for maximizing chances of permanent residency.

Australia’s 2025–26 Migration Planning Levels

The Australian Government has confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program (PMP) planning level for 2025–26 will remain at 185,000 places, similar to previous years.

Skilled migration stream: 132,200 places, including employer-sponsored, skilled independent, skilled regional, and state-nominated visas.
Family migration stream: Partner, parent, and child visas remain in demand, maintaining levels from previous years.
State nomination allocation: 20,350 skilled migration places distributed across states and territories based on labour demand.

This structured approach ensures that Australia continues to attract skilled talent while balancing family reunification and economic priorities.

Skilled Migration Pathways

Points-Tested Skilled Visas

Points-tested skilled visas are the primary pathway for independent skilled migrants:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Applicants are invited based on points without employer or state sponsorship. Points are awarded for age, English language skills, education, and work experience.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Applicants receive points from state nomination for occupations in demand.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Provides regional migration options with potential pathways to permanent residency via Subclass 191.

Applicants must carefully assess their points, occupation demand, and eligibility to maximize the chance of receiving an invitation.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visas address genuine workforce shortages and are a major portion of skilled migration:

Skills in Demand (SID) visa system: Replaces the previous Temporary Skill Shortage model.
- Core Skills pathway – For highly needed occupations across sectors.
- Specialist Skills pathway – For applicants with specialist technical or professional skills.
- Essential Skills pathway – For occupations with medium demand in businesses facing labour shortages.

Employer-sponsored visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency if applicants meet eligibility requirements, including skills assessment, employment in nominated occupations, and compliance with visa conditions.

State Nomination Opportunities

State nomination allows applicants to receive extra points and priority in visa invitations. Each state sets its allocations based on labour demand:

Queensland: Priority occupations include health, engineering, education, IT, and trades. Offers a substantial allocation of state nomination places in 2026.
Western Australia: Construction, electrical, plumbing, and healthcare roles are high in demand. WA encourages offshore and regional applicants for certain occupations.
New South Wales and Victoria: Focused on tech, healthcare, engineering, and construction. Competitive, with higher points required.
South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory: Regional migration priorities include agriculture, healthcare, and essential trades, often with concessions for age and English proficiency.

Applicants should monitor occupation lists for each state and prepare accurate Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to improve chances of nomination.

Regional Migration and DAMA

Regional migration is a key focus for Australia in 2026. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) allow employers in specific regions to sponsor workers in occupations not listed on the national skilled occupation lists.

Key benefits include:

Age concessions (up to 55 in some regions)
Reduced English language requirements for certain roles
Lower income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas
Priority for regional settlement and permanent residency

Regions such as parts of South Australia and northern Queensland have updated DAMA agreements, providing additional opportunities for applicants willing to live and work in regional areas.

Talent and Innovation Visas

Australia’s new Talent and Innovation visa category (2025–26 program) targets individuals with exceptional skills in:

Science and technology
Innovation and research
High-level professional expertise

This visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for applicants demonstrating significant potential to contribute to Australia’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Family Migration

Family migration remains an integral part of Australia’s migration strategy. Key pathways include:

Partner visas: Allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor spouses or de facto partners.
Parent and child visas: Support long-term family reunification.

These visas continue to be in high demand, maintaining similar planning levels to previous years.

Changes to Visa Income Thresholds

Visa income thresholds have been updated in line with national wage data:

Core Skills threshold for skilled migration increased
Temporary skilled migration income threshold updated
Changes apply to new nomination applications lodged after mid-2025

These adjustments ensure that visa holders meet competitive salary levels consistent with Australian workforce standards.

Key Tips for Skilled Migration Applicants

Understand points and eligibility – Know age, education, work experience, and English proficiency requirements.
Prepare your EOI accurately – Older EOIs and higher points improve chances of invitation.
Consider employer sponsorship – Especially for applicants over 45 or in high-demand sectors.
Explore regional DAMA options – Can offer age and English concessions, lower income thresholds, and priority for regional roles.
Use professional migration advice – Registered migration agents can help select the best pathway and avoid common mistakes.

State-Wise Strategies

Queensland

High demand: Health professionals, engineers, educators, trades
Regional programs: Offer additional points and priority nominations

Western Australia

Construction, healthcare, and trades remain priority
Offshore applicants are encouraged for critical occupations

New South Wales & Victoria

Technology, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors prioritized
Higher points required due to competition

South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory

Focus on regional settlement, essential services, and trades
DAMA agreements provide concessions for targeted occupations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for skilled migration in 2026?

Eligibility depends on points, age, English proficiency, skills assessment, and relevant work experience. State nomination and employer sponsorship provide alternative eligibility pathways.

2. Can applicants over 45 migrate to Australia?

Yes, through employer-sponsored visas, regional DAMA pathways, and family/partner visas.

3. How do state nominations work?

States allocate skilled visa places based on labour demand. Applicants submit EOIs and must meet occupation and points requirements.

4. Can international students transition to permanent residency?

Yes, graduates from Australian institutions can move from student visas to skilled or employer-sponsored visas.

5. What is DAMA?

DAMA is a regional migration program allowing employers to sponsor workers for occupations not on the national list, with concessions on age, English, and income thresholds.